Programs

Blanchet Student Life

We at Blanchet Catholic School, working in partnership with parents and families to educate the entire child, commit ourselves to creating a Catholic preparatory academic community dedicated to providing a quality education for the whole person. We strive to provide opportunities for students to participate in a broad spectrum of co-curricular activities/programs.

B.U.D.D.I.E.S.

Building Unity Despite Differences In Every Student

Blanchet BUDDIES assists students, faculty, and staff to intentionally build a more unified community of faith and people of courage. Reflecting our school motto “By Courage and Faith,” Blanchet BUDDIES promotes tolerance and encourages students and staff to embrace diversity. BUDDIES communities meet once a month to discuss various topics including: appreciating differences; integrity; compassion; and creating a positive environment. Meeting topics are also intertwined with school-wide activities that promote awareness of the needs of society.

Many times people are in conflict with one another because they have simply forgotten the threads that connect us. We hope that the BUDDIES Program serves as a reminder of our connections so that we can promote peace and acceptance throughout our entire community. We hope that all who enter our doors — students, staff, parents, and visitors — will find themselves better for having been here. We hope not to be just a school, but a way of life.

Mission

To develop and assist students, faculty, and staff to become a more unified community of faith and people of courage.

Motto

We are not just a school; We are a way of life.

Scripture

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another — Proverbs 27:17

Covenant

I am part of a collective effort working toward a common vision and mission at Blanchet Catholic School. My individual and unique contribution is valuable. My ability to be accepting and not judge others based on their differences is imperative. I will continually dedicate myself, through courage and faith, to fulfill my role to better society, to lead with inspiration, to bring hope, and to serve.

Campus Ministry

Seventy percent of Blanchet students are Catholic. The student body is diverse and a variety of other religious faiths are represented.

All Blanchet students, grades 6-12, are enrolled in a required religion class. The subject matter changes for each grade level. Religion classes, prayer services, twice-monthly Masses and class retreats are methods in which spirituality is deepened at Blanchet Catholic School.

Priests from churches throughout the Mid Valley celebrate Mass at Blanchet. The entire school community, including students, faculty and students, gathers together to celebrate Mass.

Blanchet Catholic School's Chapel of Saint Patrick was dedicated on June 4, 2000. The addition of a beautiful and functional chapel was an important milestone in the growth of the school as an academic and spiritual home for its students, teachers, families and supporters. The Chapel of Saint Patrick honors the legacy of Monsignor Charles Patrick Taaffe, who served on Blanchet's Board of Directors for many years.

Blanchet employs a Campus Minister, Mrs. Danielle Wise, who coordinates the religious activities and community service programs. Mrs. Wise also advises a student Spirituality Team whose members help plan Masses and retreats.

Each year students attend class retreats designed to foster spiritual development. Some retreats take place on campus while others are held off-site and each provides a time for prayer, character building and personal growth. The Junior Encounter is a unique, overnight two-day retreat held at Camp Howard. Seniors plan and organize this special annual event for their junior classmates.

Christian Service Learning

Blanchet Catholic School seeks to provide students with the opportunity to grow beyond the classroom through Christian service learning. To graduate with a Blanchet Catholic School diploma high school students must complete 10 hours of service per year and mid high students must complete 5 hours per year. In addition to the hours outside of the classroom, students are expected to participate in an all-school service day and class service experience. Each grade level is assigned a theme and class experiences will be in those particular areas. Blanchet students donate over 6,000 hours of service each year to school, civic and church organizations in the greater Salem area. The service program is organized through the school's Religion Department. Contact Campus Minister Danielle Wise for further information.

Become a mentor for a Highland Elementary student. Meet with your student for one hour each week. Highland School Reading Buddies Program. Read with first and second grade students. Buddies meet every Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:40 a.m. at Highland.

Oregon Right to Life advocates for the most vulnerable human beings whose right to life is denied or abridged under current law. We work to reestablish protection for all innocent human life from conception to natural death.

Volunteers ages 13-17 are encouraged to become part of our Youth Program, which offers meaningful opportunities for education, training and community service.

We know that youth make a difference. They are a vital resource bringing energy, innovation and inspiration to the American Red Cross and our goal is to provide them with meaningful opportunities for education, training and volunteer service so that they remain a part of the Red Cross family throughout their lives.

Improving health and well being of the people and communities served. Be a hospital volunteer and explore a medical career. Must be 14 yrs. or older and in good academic standing. 3hrs per week for 6 months is required.

The Swegle Boys & Girls Club Branch opened its doors in 1994 through a partnership with Salem-Keizer Public Schools. It is located at Swegle Elementary School. In 2010, the Swegle Club expanded to include a dedicated Teen Center. Be Great by 8th Program needs juniors and seniors to tutor & mentor middle school students after school.

To protect and restore flows in Oregon rivers to sustain the native fish, wildlife and people who depend on healthy rivers.
Write letters to editor and politicians in support of sound water policy.

Contact - info@waterwatch.org or 503-295-4039

The Blanchet Catholic School community benefits from the experience of a number of international students who study at Blanchet each year, as well as an ongoing sister-school relationship with Shukutoku Yono High School in Japan. Each year several high school students from Japan attend Blanchet. They live with host families and become fully integrated into the community and involved in school activities. These students apply to attend Blanchet through our agent Portland ETC. Blanchet also hosts year-long international students from Taiwan, Korea, Vietnam, China and Thailand. These international students apply to attend Blanchet through our agent ELCI.

AEEA Year Long Host Program

We encourage Blanchet families to consider hosting one of our international students for the school year. Our international student homestays are coordinated through the American Education & Exchange Association (AEEA) in Monmouth, OR. A stipend to cover expenses is available.

Portland ETC Year Long and Weekend Stay Programs

Year Long Stay

The Shukutoku 1 Year program has been in existence for 25 years! Students study in Oregon for one year and then return to Shukutoku to graduate. Students arrive in early August for orientation and a week of camp before meeting up with their host families in mid-August. Students attend 2 weeks of ESL classes before school starts. It's important to note that these 1 Year students do not return to Japan during the school year. They are with host families for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Spring break. At the end of June, they have a short trip to Seattle and then head back to Japan on June 30. We are always in need of good host families throughout the school year; stipends are available. If you are interested, please read the program information packet for more information. Please complete and return an application as soon as possible.

Weekend Stay

Each September, Japanese girls from our sister school visit for a weekend. The students from Shukutoku Yono (an all-girls’ school) are welcomed with a special assembly that features entertainment by our Japanese visitors and Blanchet students.

In 2016, we will celebrate the Japanese weekend stay on September 28th through the 30th. Host families are needed for this cultural experience; stipends are available. Please read the program information packet for more information. Please complete and return an application as soon as possible.